Leadership Lessons Learned: Inside the Cascade Leadership Academy

Imagine working in a field where your day at the office includes heavy machinery, occasionally hazardous materials, unpredictable weather conditions, and the possibility of working in remote locations or highly populated areas. These are just some of the unique challenges faced by employees in the environmental services industry.

Amidst these challenges and evolving social dynamics, leadership development is more crucial than ever. By investing in their employees' leadership skills, organizations can not only improve employee retention but also drive overall organizational success. The Cascade Leadership Academy is currently in session and below are some insights from our next generation of leaders. This 9-month intensive program combines hands-on, interactive learning with personalized coaching to transform and empower Cascade's future leaders. Participants engage in three full-day live events, monthly group coaching, and one-on-one executive sessions, culminating in a unique capstone project that offers them the chance to present innovative solutions to executive leadership.

The environmental services industry is a demanding one, with employees often facing a unique set of challenges. Physical hazards, such as exposure to toxic chemicals and extreme weather, are a constant concern. Mental health can also be impacted by the stressful nature of the work, including long hours, irregular schedules, and the potential for witnessing environmental disasters. Additionally, logistical challenges, such as working in remote locations and coordinating complex projects, can add to the stress and strain.

Leadership development is essential for employees in the environmental services industry. By developing their leadership skills, employees can become more effective at managing challenges, making sound decisions, and motivating their teams. Additionally, leadership development can foster a sense of empowerment and ownership, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover.

For organizations, investing in leadership development can have significant benefits. It can improve decision-making, enhance team dynamics, and drive overall organizational success. By developing strong leaders, organizations can better navigate challenges, adapt to changing conditions, and achieve their goals.

The Cascade Leadership Academy, in partnership with ON Point Next Level Leadership, aims to do this. We want to empower our employees by developing effective leaders. We interviewed them at the beginning of the academy, and what follows is a snapshot of their responses, in which they share key insights into what leadership is and how to embody it.

Earn respect: "Leadership is a strong starting point. Earn the respect of the crew, and don't ask them to do something you wouldn't do. Know how to talk to people." - James Smith, Supervisor

Be present and supportive: "Leadership plays an important role here at TerraTherm. For me, it means being there for your team and being able to help where you can. Leadership also means pushing through when the odds are against you." - Kade Vautour, Shop and Facilities Foreman

Prioritize your team: "As a leader you need to be responsible for your employees, they should come first. Their success means your success in the long run." - Crystal Buchanan, Project Manager

Lead by example: "Leadership to me is, trying not to ask the driller or people working for me to do something that I wouldn't do personally." - Roger Rodriguez, Project Manager

Be a mentor and role model: "Leadership means being a good mentor and sharing the knowledge that I've gained during my years in this industry." - Stuart Saine, Project Manager

Communicate effectively: "Lead by example, show up for meetings on time, be prompt. Be known as the guy that can get things done." - Scott Thalacker, Controller

Develop your team: "Leadership is the ability to motivate and direct others to achieve target goals." - Bill Condon, Director of Field Implementation

The environmental services industry presents unique challenges for employees. However, by investing in leadership development, organizations can empower their employees, improve retention, and drive overall success. The Cascade Leadership Academy offers a comprehensive program designed to help employees develop the leadership skills they need to thrive in this demanding industry.

To learn more about The Cascade Leadership Academy, and gain ideas on how to implement your own leadership development program that will benefit your employees as well as your organization, check out the CLA program’s press release here:

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About the Author

Jessica Alexander

Director of Talent Acquisition
[email protected]

Jessica Alexander is the Director of Talent Acquisition at Cascade. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, a MBA in Human Resources, and a PhD (ABD) in Human Resource Management. Further, Jessica has served on multiple boards within volunteer organizations that assist individuals in underrepresented groups obtain employment in their local communities.

After completing ten years of military service in the United States Air Force in Logistics and Transportation, Jessica launched a distinguished career specializing in recruiting and talent development. In her role as Director of Talent Acquisition, she creates and implements strategy that drives Cascade forward as an Employer of Choice in the environmental services industry. Jessica is passionate about the development of people and their ability to drive companies forward.

If you would like to connect with Jessica about her experience with strategic sourcing, talent acquisition and development, or organizational diversity management, you can find her on LinkedIn.